Cherry Blossom Report: Kyoto

Scott's Japan Travel Journalby Scott, staff writer of japan-guide.com

This journal is a log of my travels within Japan. Here you'll find my personal opinions on the places I've been and the things I've seen. Also expect to see the occasional review and editorial. Thanks for reading.

Arashiyama was pretty damp this morning due to a light drizzle that began yesterday afternoon and only just stopped as I arrived in the small riverside town. Luckily the rain was light enough and the blossoms are still strong enough that they survived the night without any significant damage.

Since Schauwecker's visit on March 29, 2011, the cherry blossoms have completely opened and are currently at full bloom. They look like they have only just reached full bloom, and I would expect them to continue to be at their best for at least a few more days.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama - Nananoshima Park on the western side of Togetsukyo Bridge

Arashiyama - Wet but otherwise undamaged cherry blossoms

There is a second cherry blossom area one more bridge over from Nananoshima Park on the western side of Togetsukyo Bridge. It is a great area for hanami parties as the ground is mostly covered in grass and you can set up directly under the trees.

The cherry blossoms in this area, however, were slightly behind the trees along the river. They are quickly approaching full bloom though and look like they will fully open in the next day or two.

Arashiyama - Sakura trees on the western side of the river past Nananoshima Park

Arashiyama - Cherry blossoms just about to reach full bloom

Philosopher's PathApril 9, 2011- full bloom

I revisited the Philosopher's Path again today and had the opposite experience from my last visit on April 1, 2011. This time the path was bustling with people and the blossoms were at full bloom. I think I hit it right at the peak of the season today, and this is probably the best I've ever seen the path look. It was really quite beautiful and I recommend visiting it in the next day or two if you are in the area.

Philosopher's Path

Philosopher's Path - Cherry blossoms in full bloom

Philosopher's Path

Kiyomizudera TempleApril 9, 2011- full bloom

Finally I ended my day with a revisit to Kiyomizudera Temple. Just like at both of my earlier stops today, I was greeted by beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom all around the temple grounds. The best ones were towards the temple's exit which looked very full and fresh and like they have only just completely opened. Again, I expect that the trees around Kiyomizudera will remain at their best for at least a few more days.